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Former Blazers coach Damian Lillard drops a bombshell about Milwaukee Bucks Dame

Damian Lillard had two complete seasons under Chauncey Billups’ tutelage before he left to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Even if their time together was short, Billups saw enough of Dame to understand how unique this superstar really is.

It’s evident even from the outside that Dame is one of the greatest of all time. Watching the seven-time All-NBA point guard put in the work off the court to become the killer he is on it is still unique, though.

Chauncey Billups Reveals What’s Different With Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard

Milwaukee Bucks
In the second quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers’ game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, on March 8, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, guard Damian Lillard (bottom) reacts during a stoppage in play. Essential Credit: USA TODAY Sports/David Butler II

Recently, Billups spoke candidly about the significant change he has witnessed in his former superstar since Lillard has moved to Milwaukee. The third-year head coach clarified that Dame has to be the go-to player for Portland every single game. With the Bucks, this is no longer the case.

According to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Chauncey Billups stated, “We needed him to be special, special, special every night for us to have a chance.” “He doesn’t need to be so close to that. He’s got a lot more play-making ability than he did here, so he can kind of fall back. Observing them, I’ve seen that. He can now choose his locations with so much more patience. He’s been blitzed and trapped by teams. We needed him to attempt to break out from this trap and continue to play even if it caught him. Now that he’s been caught, he can simply set up the trap, get Giannis in the pocket, and watch the team win.

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April 4, 2023: Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups provides instructions to his team during the first half of a FedExForum matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Petre Thomas

Lillard deserves a lot of respect for his ability to change up his style of play in the manner that he has so far. But having Giannis Antetokounmpo as a teammate also helps.

Billups stated, “He’s got the right mindset, personality, and humility that allow him to step back and try to fit in instead of trying to come and say no, y’all playing with me.” “He’s not the kind of person that.”

Whatever It Takes

Dec 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard shoots during warmups prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
December 19, 2023: Damian Lillard, a guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, shoots during warm-ups before the team plays the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Jeff Hanisch

John McCullough, a former assistant coach with the Blazers, echoed Billups. Ultimately, obtaining the victory is what matters most to Dame.

The University of Tulsa women’s basketball team’s director of player development, McCullough, stated, “I’m not sure he’s out to get his, but he just gets his in the rhythm of everybody else.”

That is Dame’s admirable nature. His goal is to triumph. He’s willing to drop forty if that’s what it takes. That night, we’re going to assist someone else if that’s what’s necessary. He can, after all, score points if that’s what he wants, but he wants to win games. His goal is to take home the title.

There’s no denying that Lillard came to the Bucks with one goal in mind. Considering how the Bucks have developed into the current dominant team, Dame may very well receive his wish during his rookie campaign in Milwaukee.

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